Murwillumbah Community Centre partners with The Family Centre after Nullum House closure

A partnership between Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC) and The Family Centre (TFC) will reshape how local support services are delivered, following the closure of Nullum House.

The collaboration comes in response to rising economic pressures and reduced access to funding and donations, which contributed to the service shutting in late March.

MCC said it had explored all avenues to continue Nullum House, which offered a social inclusion space, free meals, showers, laundry, material aid and support programs for vulnerable community members, but was unable to secure the resources needed to operate safely.

Under the agreement, MCC will continue delivering its existing services while introducing additional programs through TFC at the same site.

Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, the arrangement aims to maintain service access, improve coordination and support long-term sustainability.

It brings together MCC’s role as a community-led hub with TFC’s experience supporting families, young people and individuals across the region.

The centre will continue to operate as an inclusive space, with services including the Food Hub, youth programs and Neighbourhood Centre function remaining in place to support residents facing cost-of-living pressures.

TFC chairperson David Keay said the partnership builds on MCC’s existing work.

“This is about building on the strong foundation already in place at Murwillumbah Community Centre and making it easier for people to access the support they need locally,” Keay said.

MCC chairperson David Ingham said the agreement would help secure the centre’s future.

“We’re focused on keeping the centre a place where people feel welcome and supported,” Ingham said.

“This partnership helps us grow while staying true to what matters most to our community.”

While many existing MCC staff roles are expected to continue, Ingham said not all positions would be retained.

“Where changes are necessary, we are committed to managing the process with transparency, fairness and respect,” Ingham said.

“This includes clear consultation with affected staff and support throughout the transition.”

Both organisations will continue working with residents, volunteers and service providers as services evolve.